This post was updated on February 23, 2021, to reflect the most up-to-date information.

Through decades of history, our Ann Arbor area communities have been built around agriculture. As a result, our neighborhoods are home to thriving family farms, year-round farmers markets, several food and agriculture-based organizations, and dozens of community gardens

So if you’re interested in getting in on the A2 agriculture scene—or just want to spruce up your home’s curb appeal—now’s the time! Spring and summer is the perfect time to start planting, but where should you begin?

Well, you can start by paying a visit to some gardening experts! We rounded up some of the best in the area, some of which have been growing in the Ann Arbor area since the early 1900s! Happy planting!

Please note: All of these garden centers and nurseries are currently open and following local health recommendations including requiring mask-wearing and social distancing. For more information on each businesses’ current COVID-19 policies, we recommend visiting their individual websites. 

 

Downtown Home & Garden | Ann Arbor

Photo courtesy of Downtown Home & Garden

This century-old garden center is nestled in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. Since the Hertler family opened the store in 1906, it has evolved from a livery stable and feed mill to an urban emporium for garden supplies, plants for your house (and in-season plants for your garden and home), classic housewares, durable outdoor clothing, quality pet gear and unique kitchenware! But one thing hasn’t changed in the 110+ years they’ve been serving the area—their commitment to customer service and providing high-quality products. Because their business is long-lived and they want to make sure the items they sell will endure time as well.

 

Turner’s Garden Center | Ann Arbor

Since 1967, Turner’s has been helping the Ann Arbor area create beautiful outdoor spaces. Their landscape contract division has the full range to complete the job, from landscape architects and certified nurserymen to skilled operators. And, if you’d rather pick the plants out yourself, their two-acre greenhouse is packed full of high-quality annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, houseplants and more.

Willow Greenhouse | Northville

Self-proclaimed the “Greenest Greenhouse Around”, Willow Greenhouse is actually 100% green! That means they are completely pesticide-free, using organic weed and pest control products. Located in Northville, they specialize in hardy and unique flowering shrubs, including hydrangeas, roses, weigela, lilacs, rhododendron, butterfly bushes and many more.

 

English Gardens Plymouth Nursery | Plymouth

This Plymouth garden center and nursery has a storied history, dating back to the early 1900s. While they were recently purchased by English Gardens, the nation’s 10th largest garden center, they haven’t lost that small community feel, offering next-level customer service and high-quality garden products. In fact, they are so confident in their plants that they guarantee them 100% for a full year, offering a warranty for nursery stock, perennials, vines, roses and ground covers.

 

Abbott’s Landscape Nursery | Ann Arbor

Boasting the area’s largest selection of nursery plants, garden accessories and landscaping supplies, Abbott’s Landscape Nursery is a popular spot to get anything and everything you need to plant your garden! Most of their plants are purchased locally, with owner Mike Abbott personally selecting each and every plant. In addition to their sprawling garden center located on a turn-of-the-century farm, they also offer landscaping services.

 

Lucas Nursery & Landscaping | Superior Charter Township

This family-owned business has been serving the Southeastern Michigan community since 1966! Their massive garden center is packed full of high-quality plants, gardening supplies, decor and more. And, in addition to their nursery, they also offer full service consulting, design and installation for commercial and residential landscaping in the area.

 

Dexter Mill | Dexter

Photo courtesy of Dexter Mill

Serving the needs of customers in Dexter and the surrounding communities since 1919, Dexter Mill is more than just a garden center. While they do offer a wide range of perennial and annual plants, they also sell farm fresh eggs, local raw honey, Calder Brother’s Dairy fresh milk, pet products, gifts, gardening supplies, Dexter Mill wild bird seed, and so much more. They strive to offer as many local and made in the U.S.A. products as possible because they believe in shopping locally!

Did you dig this?

Let us know what you’ll be planting this season in the comments!